Cost of Living in Tamaqua, PA

Population 6,922 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Tamaqua run well below national norms — a median of $44,803 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $79,000). Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Located 30 miles northwest of Allentown, Tamaqua falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 26
Rent 71

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Tamaqua

The median home value in Tamaqua is $78,500 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $935/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,803/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Tamaqua has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$78,500
74% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$150,191
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$935/mo
29% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 56.3%
Renter-occupied 43.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$935
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,549/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.1 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.7%
Carpooled
16.3%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
9.1%
Work from home
7.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$44,803
40% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,058
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
24% below avg
Poverty Rate
26.1%
Labor Force Participation
65.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.2%
Graduate degree 4.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.6
Male median age 35.2
Female median age 40.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.3°F
Avg Low
42.8°F
Annual Precip
47.4"
Annual Snowfall
33.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384251637482868477665443
Low °F 222331405160656355443427
Precip" 3.302.773.633.673.654.405.304.564.844.143.243.86
Snow" 9.810.86.30.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.94.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
2,152
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tamaqua, PA?

Tamaqua has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Tamaqua, PA?

The median gross rent in Tamaqua is $935 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Tamaqua?

The median home value in Tamaqua is $78,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Tamaqua?

The median household income in Tamaqua is $44,803 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Tamaqua, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tamaqua is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Tamaqua, PA affordable?

Yes, Tamaqua is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Tamaqua?

Tamaqua has average high temperatures of 63.3°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.4". Average annual snowfall is 33.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Tamaqua at a Glance

Population
6,922
Median Income
$44,803
Home Value
$78,500
Median Rent
$935/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
63.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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